Indian gaming takes a bold leap forward as Arjuna Studios, part of KRAFTON India Gaming Incubator (KIGI), soft launches Gangster Carnival – a culturally rich battle royale that brings authentic Indian storytelling to mobile gaming. This marks a significant milestone for homegrown game development under global mentorship.
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Battle Royale with Indian Soul
Gangster Carnival is a fast-paced, character-driven battle royale set in a culturally rich world, infused with vibrant Indian aesthetics and dynamic map interactions. Unlike generic international titles, this game celebrates India’s diverse regional culture through its character design and narrative approach.
The game features iconic gangsters inspired by regional archetypes:
- King Kang representing Punjab’s larger-than-life persona
- TNT Tumpa embodying Bengal’s revolutionary spirit
- God Mother channeling Mumbai’s underworld mystique
KRAFTON India Gaming Incubator Success Story
| Program Details | Information |
|---|---|
| Studio Founded | January 2024 |
| Founders | Salil Gupta, Manraj Singh Bawa, Sagnic Bhowmick |
| Incubator | KRAFTON India Gaming Incubator (KIGI) |
| Program Benefits | Mentorship, funding up to $150,000, industry exposure |
| Platform | Android (Google Play Store) |
Founded in January 2024 by Salil Gupta, Manraj Singh Bawa, and Sagnic Bhowmick, Arjuna Studios is focused on building next-gen mobile gaming experiences rooted in Indian storytelling. The studio exemplifies KIGI’s mission to nurture world-class Indian game developers.
Global Ambitions, Local Flavor
The studio’s mission is to bring Indian culture to the global stage through immersive, high-quality games. This approach addresses a crucial gap in the gaming market where Indian cultural narratives remain underrepresented despite the country’s massive gaming audience.
The game blends:
- Casual accessibility for broader appeal
- Competitive gameplay for serious gamers
- Cultural authenticity through regional character design
- Modern mechanics including jetpacks and dynamic interactions
Rising Indian Gaming Ecosystem
KRAFTON’s KIGI program demonstrates international confidence in India’s gaming talent. The country’s most comprehensive and ambitious gaming-focused incubation programme has already expanded to include multiple cohorts, fostering innovation from Kolkata to Madurai.
This initiative aligns with India’s broader gaming boom, where mobile gaming revenues are projected to reach $8.6 billion by 2027, making culturally relevant content increasingly valuable.
Early Reception & Market Impact
Early reviews are already highlighting its fresh take on the battle royale format and the strong Indian cultural references that make it stand out. The positive initial response suggests strong market appetite for culturally authentic gaming content.
The soft launch strategy allows Arjuna Studios to gather player feedback and refine gameplay before the global rollout, following successful mobile gaming launch practices.
Future of Indian Game Development
Gangster Carnival represents more than entertainment – it’s proof that Indian studios can create globally competitive content while celebrating local culture. As the gaming industry increasingly values diverse narratives, titles like this pave the way for India’s creative community.
For more Indian gaming industry updates and mobile game reviews, explore our gaming coverage.
FAQs
What makes Gangster Carnival different from other battle royale games?
It features authentic Indian cultural references, regional character archetypes, and vibrant desi aesthetics while maintaining competitive battle royale mechanics.
Is Gangster Carnival free to play?
Yes, the game follows the free-to-play model with in-app purchases, standard for mobile battle royale games.
